In this episode, I interview Scott Silver, about the transformation of outdoor recreation and its impact on wilderness preservation and “little w” wilderness values. The discussion explores the formation and mission of Wild Wilderness, an organization committed to protecting undeveloped recreation on public lands. We cover insights into the development of the 'Fee Demo' program, commercialization and privatization of public lands, the American Recreation Coalition, and corporate influence on recreational policies. Scott discusses transcendence through primitive recreation and highlights the threats posed by modern recreation trends and technologies. The impact of libertarian economics, the co-opting of environmental movements, and the decline of genuine conservation efforts are also examined. Our conversation concludes with reflections on the evolving role of wilderness in society and the broader implications for environmental conservation.

A must read and one of my favorite books! Battle for the Wilderness by Michael Frome

03:09 The Rise of Motorized Recreation

07:43 Formation and Mission of Wild Wilderness

12:04 The Fee Demo Program and Its Implications

16:58 The Influence of the American Recreation Coalition

26:47 Battles Over Motorized Recreation

36:06 The Role of Wilderness Values in Recreation

45:39 Handmade Outdoor Gear

46:21 The Value of Primitive Recreation

46:48 Personal Connection to Nature

48:29 Transcendence Through Wilderness

52:17 The Impact of Fees on Outdoor Recreation

01:01:28 The Future of Wilderness Access?

01:16:20 The War on Climate Change

Get full access to Our Public Lands Podcast at ourpubliclandspodcast.substack.com/subscribe